ASKED & ANSWERED: RASHAD HAUGHTON
November 1, 2019 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Highlights
‘It’s incredible’
Legendary singer Aaliyah’s brother reacts to her wax likeness at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas continues its celebration of all things ‘90s with the unveiling of its newest figure — paying tribute to Aaliyah, the princess of R&B.
Aaliyah’s brother Rashad Haughton greets crowd. (Photo by Key Lime Photography)
The famed attraction welcomed guests and mega fans of Aaliyah for an exclusive unveiling of the singer’s likeness. Guests went “Back and Forth” to the ultimate playlist of super fly music while enjoying the rest of Madame Tussauds’ 90s crew.
Aaliyah’s brother, Rashad Haughton, was in the house to help celebrate the momentous occasion. Haughton greeted fans and shared a heartfelt message to the crowd in honor of Aaliyah — before taking photos with his late sister’s figure, fans, and social media contest winners. He then sat down for an exclusive interview with Las Vegas Black Image Magazine.
What does the reveal of your sister’s wax likeness mean to you?
It’s incredible to have worked on it side-by-side with all the great artists at Madame Tussauds. It still was like seeing it for the first time, because when you see others’ reactions, and Aaliyah’s fans … my emotions were overwhelming.
What are you doing to keep Aaliyah’s legacy alive?
Things just like this reveal. This collaboration with Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. And before that we did the Mac collaboration, because my sister was a huge fan of Mac cosmetics before she died. So, they approached us and we are still working on the project now. Also, I am working to bring Aaliyah’s music to a mass distribution platform. The majority of my life is dedicated to making sure that Aaliyah’s fans — who were a part of making her career what it was — happy. Also, with social media I am constantly working with that as well. I also work in entertainment. My background is in filmmaking. I went to NYU film school and went to graduate school in Australia. Currently, I live in Tokyo Japan — so my focus is technology and entertainment. One thing that was special about this unique reveal was the Aaliyah app that fans could go to and be interactive with Aaliyah’s song “Try Again” and more.
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas’ Aaliyah wax figure.
What is your fondest memory of Aaliyah and stays on your mind when you think of your sister?
What sticks with me daily about her and makes me emotional is how much we laughed. My mom, dad, and Aaliyah would act so silly together. We were a creative family and did everything together. We would come up with video ideas for Aaliyah’s songs. A lot of music concepts came from our family unit. What I remember most is how she would make me laugh. She was so funny, and I think the next movie she would have done would have been a comedy. I remember also her beautiful humble spirit and laughter.
Is there anything you want to say to our readers?
I would really like to say to the Las Vegas black community and especially our youth because there is a lot of stuff happening in the world. Our children right now have a lot of fear and there is a lot of division happening in America. My sister Aaliyah represented unity. I think it is really important for our young people to be inspired and still feel that sense of community. That’s the most important thing. I want the people in Las Vegas to follow their dreams and imagination. Stick with your family and friends, and understand community is our strongest power. It will take us forward.
We have to ask about R. Kelly and if you were comfortable with the relationship he had with your sister?
That’s something that I am not going to comment on, because when challenges and negative energy happens — you have to be able to move on from those things. That is something my sister and I pushed away. My entire family are spiritual people, and that is also the power of our people. We have our strength to persevere in those things. We really believe that the Man above will handle all things. As long as you stick with your family you can overcome anything. That is another reason why so many people loved my sister — because she overcame a lot of challenges at such a young age.
